So you’ve got a nice new project that is electrically sound and want to convert it to your very own Printed Circuit Board. The venerable Lady Ada (Limor Fried of Adafruit Industries) has provided a great rundown of some PCB manufacturers and their strengths and weaknesses. Ready for your own PCB, check out the list and good luck!
Improved Arduino ADC Readings
Posted: 14th August 2012 by bjmclaughlin in ArduinoTags: adc, Arduino, tutorial
(Image: Flickr User Tullius via WikiMedia Commons under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic)
So you’re using your Arduino to make an analog to digital measurement you say? How accurate do you need that reading to be? If your answer is that you’re looking to measure a precise voltage than you might need to look at how you’re getting your measurement. A simple read of the Arduino ADC is only going to give you a rough approximation but the good folks at Hardware Hacking have a great tutorial on how to derive a more accurate reading. Put all those bit to work for you! (Found via the Arduino Blog)
Making accurate ADC readings on the Arduino | Hardware Hacking
Arduino RGB LED Clock
Posted: 13th August 2012 by bjmclaughlin in Arduino, ElectronicsTags: Arduino, clock, project, todo
Saw this first thing this morning and I love it. A beautiful clock with some many different ways you could signal the time. Might have to build one myself someday. (Via Adafruit)
(Image: OpenBeam)
Back in the spring, I posted an article on GeekDad about a KickStarter project called OpenBeam. OpenBeam is an open specification t-slot extruded aluminum building system. What makes OpenBeam great is that the hardware is based off standard metric (M3) hardware so that you can buy all of the connector parts at any hardware store
Now comes my problem. I don’t know what to build for my first build and I am openly looking for ideas. I have 2 meters of OpenBeam and a couple nice stacks of connector plats. So, my dear readers, any ideas?
Making Sense of Op Amps
Posted: 12th August 2012 by bjmclaughlin in ElectronicsTags: hackaday, opamps, tutorial
Op Amps seem simple in concept but I’ve always struggled with their application. Here is a great discussion on the function of Op Amps via Hack a Day!
Impromptu workshop in my hotel room for Bay Area Maker Faire 2012 (Image: Brian McLaughlin)
I felt it was long past time to get my own website up and running to talk about my Maker activities and I am right in the middle of a busy Making time. Working with my new Raspberry Pi, Arduino Projects, writing for GeekDad, getting ready for World Maker Faire, and other assorted projects keeps me plenty busy. This will be my place to keep track of things I find interesting, projects, and all of these activities. Hope you enjoy!